A Leap in Time (22 page)

“Yes. I was actually wondering whether I, or we, were meant to do something significant to better the lives of people without truly altering history.”

“Hmmm. I have been thinking the same thing.” He pulled me closer, resting his chin on top of my head.

“For the most part, women are treated like property there—unless of course you come from a wealthy family and then things are a little different—but even then, women aren’t on equal footing unless we’re talking about your very progressive family, which isn’t the norm.” I barely got the sentence out before he was shaking his head.

“You can’t start a women’s revolution over there. The citizens aren’t ready for it. You will be severely punished.” He sat up to look in my eyes. He was so stern I couldn’t help but suppress a laugh. Right…so not something as drastic as a women’s revolution.

“I wasn’t thinking of anything that far off the grid. I have no intention of being executed for going against the grain. I was thinking about education. What if I-I mean we helped fund the opening of a school for girls that taught all the same subjects as the boys are learning? Antonio can oversee the curriculum part of teaching and hiring of teachers once we have enough students?”

“Oh. That could work, but the wealthy young girls already have tutors and the poor families can’t afford to send girls to school.”

“What if the school was free for families of a certain income? In addition to the domestic stuff they’re taught, they can also learn math and literature—the same as what wealthy boys are learning.”

“I like it. Let’s run the idea by my parents when we get home. We’ll need the community’s support too, or we’ll find ourselves on the outskirts very quickly.” I nodded, excited at the prospect. “Do you feel better now?”

“We’ve been so blessed at every turn. I guess the other thing weighing on me was the thought of completely letting go of my home. You know, as we get comfortable with our new life there, it would become harder and harder to make the visits here. It scares me to leave my home indefinitely. Having a work deadline that forces us to return once a month makes me feel better. It keeps me connected.”

“Lexi, I would never expect you to leave your world for me. I think what we have is a good compromise. In the future, maybe things can change. Are you having second thoughts?”

“No, not at all. I guess I underestimated how desperate I was for the pieces to fit together.”

My mind moved a million miles a minute thinking how this could actually work. Joanna would need to give me hard copies of all the information and, in turn, once I got back to Los Angeles I would send her an email with all the proposals ready for printing and mailing. So if we came back on the Friday night of the last week of every month…

“Lexi…where did you go?” Marcus’s question startled me out of my thoughts.

“I’m sorry. I was sorting out the logistics of work in my head. Were you saying something?

“Please stop. You’re driving yourself crazy. We don’t need all the pieces figured out this very second. Our first course of business is to get back to Pompeii. We’ll use my parents’ home while they’re in Rome and in the spring, we’ll look for our own place.”

“Marcus. Marcus…” I called his name a few times before he snapped out of his own thoughts laughing at the very thing he accused me of doing a few minutes earlier.

“Right. So we’re both anxious. Let’s just make a deal that we’ll keep each other grounded and sane. We’ll talk through everything as often as we need to. Agreed?” He extended his hand for a handshake sending me reeling with laughter.

“Deal.” I shook his hand and leaned up to kiss him squarely on the mouth igniting a renewed surge of passion that can only be tamed by satisfying its burning demand.

“I love you, Alexandra Carter.”

“I love you my perfect, wonderful husband. Oh, that reminds me…when did you learn English?”

“Oh that. I had a little help from Mrs. Ashton.”

I sat back in awe of how much work, thought, and planning had gone into my perfect day.

We woke before dawn on Saturday ready for our trip. After much debate, I convinced Marcus that we couldn’t take the coffeemaker, toaster oven, television set and electric shaver. How did he think they would work in Pompeii? To his satisfaction, we did take a duffle bag stuffed with blankets, toiletries, clothes, chocolates, snacks, and my laptop, charged batteries and the large packet of documents from Joanna. I prayed we made it to his parents’ house without interruption. We were carrying too many possessions that could potentially land us in hot water. A laptop? Yes, I can only imagine explaining that away.

Hand in hand, Marcus and I traveled through the portal breathing a sigh of relief at our safe arrival. No matter how many times I’d time traveled here, the magic of it will forever amaze me, and the anxiety of being discovered will always plague me.

The bitter cold air was jolting with high winds shuddering at the thought of traveling by boat. I felt chilled to the bone and my teeth chattered uncontrollably. I’d never been more grateful we brought my favorite plush warm blanket.

We walked briskly toward the city pausing only for Marcus to caress my cheek with his thumb. He relied on his good name and the reputation of his family for continued success in the family business. Any public displays would not only disgrace him, but would strip him of any wealth.

I was beside myself with joy to walk into a home with a burning fireplace in the foyer. The coziness had an immediate relaxing effect on me. I very much wanted a nap. I followed Marcus holding onto his waist as he inspected every room, tucked our bag behind our bed in his old bedroom and headed for the kitchen to heat water for tea.

Where was Marta? She couldn’t have known we were coming. The clock hadn’t turned to eight a.m. yet, so where was she? Surely she wouldn’t light the fire and then disappear. I sensed Marcus was thinking the same thing as he turned and moved toward the large wooden door to the garden. It was unlocked, he turned the knob and swung it open so fast it made me jump in alarm.

His mother lurched back, dropping her basket on the ground. “Marcus, for heavens sake. What are you doing here? You scared me to death.”

“Mother, what are
you
doing here?” Marcus rushed to her side, kissed her cheek then bent to collect the spilled plants.

“I thought I would pick some fresh herbs for tea and tonight’s roast—”

“No, I mean what are you doing here in Pompeii?”

“Your father has been very busy with Senate business and honestly, I missed you and Lexi. I decided to come here and surprise you—Oh, and I have some news, but first, boil some water for tea, would you, son?”

We settled in the kitchen in front of the toasty fire.

“Mother…”

“Oh Marcus, you’re the worst. Aren’t you going to guess what news brought me all the way down here?”

“I can hardly imagine.” He smiled at her while unintentionally wreaking havoc in the kitchen looking for a pot for the water.

“Oh Marcus, Marta just tidied up. Never mind, I’ll take care of it.” She pulled him away from the rack holding all the pots, storage ceramic containers and fresh vegetables and nudged him toward the chair next to me.

“I think I know.” I managed to get their undivided attention squarely on me. “Catina and Antonio are to be married.” I sat back smugly.

“Isn’t it wonderful? Wait…how did you know? Did Catina send you a message?” Marcus’s mom eyed me suspiciously.

“Just a feeling. They looked very cozy during our wedding so it makes sense.” I rubbed my hands together to warm them up.

“I couldn’t be happier for them. When is the wedding?” Marcus scooted his chair close to me.

“Well, that’s the challenge. They want to be married in three weeks time. What is it with you girls and fast weddings? I remember when I married your father, I wanted to plan every detail meticulously and enjoy being betrothed before feeling settled and managing a home.”

“I’m sure they’re overjoyed that they found each other and they’re looking forward to starting a family. Not to mention, they’ve known each other their entire life, so there’s no reason to delay.”

I stifled a giggle at the faces he was making with each sip of tea. I was willing to wager he’d trade half his warm clothes for a cup of freshly brewed coffee or, better yet, an espresso. He caught me watching him, held my gaze for a few seconds and then rolled his eyes, knowing what I was thinking.

The nighttime wasn’t as awful as we anticipated, but we still wore our thermals and ducked under one of the blankets.

“Don’t worry, I’ll keep my mother busy during the day so you can work,” he offered.

“Really? What will you do with her all day?”

“All day? You need all day?” He half sat up in bed peering at me with anxiety.

“Ha! I was just testing you. I don’t need all day, but I do need the morning. I’ll use tomorrow morning for reading the materials and tomorrow night, I’ll begin writing a proposal. If I can get into a routine of reading in the morning and writing at night, I’ll be in good shape by the time we head back in a few weeks.”

“All right, that works. You don’t have to finish the whole project in one day, you know.”

“I know, but I’d rather finish as much as I can early in case things come up. Now with Catina getting married, I’m sure she’ll need my help.” I ran my fingers through his thick hair suddenly filled with desire. I pulled myself up ‘till our noses and lips were touching. His liquid green eyes were cloudy with smoldering desire. He slanted his mouth over mine tasting, devouring, and tormenting with his tongue. He moaned, tearing our clothes off and casting them to the foot of the bed. I kissed every inch of him with sheer abandon, his groans vibrating through my body.

I teased him with my tongue, my hands and tips of my fingers. When he was on the brink of exploding, he pinned me on the bed, returning the favor with such deep intensity I cried out. One thing for certain, I will never get enough of him. Our lovemaking was intense and full of a yearning that tonight alone could not satiate. We collapsed on top of each other, knowing this was the beginning of a sleepless night, smiling at the knowledge that round two wasn’t too far off. I was a lucky woman.

The days rolled by. I found myself in a comfortable routine of reading and note taking in the mornings and writing after everyone went to bed. Our bedroom became a makeshift office, as it was the only private place where I could use my laptop without being discovered. I hoped Juliana didn’t find my behavior odd or rude being locked away in our bedroom for hours each morning. My darling Marcus kept his word by occupying her every day ‘till noon.

By Friday, I had powered through half the pile of proposals feeling confident that at this rate, I’d be done by the middle of next week. So far this was very manageable and I was enjoying the hours of seclusion while dedicating the afternoons to reveling in my new home and husband.

“I have some news that will make you very happy,” Marcus announced during dinner on Thursday night. “Catina and Antonio are on their way to Pompeii. They should be here by tomorrow mid-morning.” He smiled knowing the news would delight me.

“That’s great news. Will they stay with us?” I asked between mouthfuls.

Juliana’s cooking was delicious and I found myself indulging in a second helping more often than I’d like. I made a mental note to skip sweets or wine later to counteract the calories. At this rate, I’d balloon to twice my size by the time we returned to Los Angeles next month. Marcus chuckled at my visibly increased appetite, but said nothing ‘till his mom left the kitchen.

“Do you think you’re…” His eyes lit up with speculation at the possibility of a baby.

“No chance—just starving. I love your mom’s cooking,” I hissed at him for jumping to conclusions.

Could I be pregnant? No. I was on birth control and everyone knows it’s 99.9% reliable.

Marcus and I waited anxiously for Catina and Antonio and almost jumped with excitement when we heard the knock. We raced each other to the door almost knocking down poor Marta who was heading for the door. Marta has known Marcus since he was a newborn. Naturally, she developed a soft spot for him and forgave him everything from his mischievous teenage years to the endless pranks he bestowed on everyone. She quickly got out of our way, chuckling and shaking her head in mock disapproval.

Catina had a glow about her that had been absent before meeting Antonio, and he looked completely and helplessly smitten with her. He couldn’t stop smiling, which emphasized his handsome features.

We sat in the parlor talking excitedly for hours—about what we’d been up to since we last saw each other, of course omitting anything that hinted at our double life somewhere else.

Until later that is. Finally Catina and I found ourselves alone. I told her with excitement about my wedding in California, the apartment and, after looking over my shoulder to make sure we had the privacy we needed, I showed her the wedding pictures I had downloaded to my laptop. Her mouth gaped in amazement at the metal contraption that gave her a glimpse into my world. Not even Marcus knew about the photos yet. I wanted to keep it a surprise for our first evening together in our new home.

“Lexi, you look stunning in the pictures. This must be Charlotte and Kate. They’re beautiful. Marcus looks very handsome. He’s almost unrecognizable in those clothes. I wish I had been there to celebrate with you. I have a feeling I would get on well with Charlotte and Kate, too.”

“I wish you were there too. I have no doubt you would have fit right in. Marcus looked so gorgeous I could barely focus on the vows. He continues to amaze me with his calm approach to things and his sense of humor about our situation. He’s never once looked angry or resentful or even sad about our sudden change of plans to live in Pompeii instead of Rome. And here I am, an anxious mess more often than not because I need everything figured out right now.”

“Don’t be so hard on yourself, Lexi. You’re been through a lot. I can see how this would be easier for Marcus than you. Who wouldn’t welcome the opportunity to go forward in time to a more civilized and progressive world?”